Best Document Management Software 2017

This type of software helps organizations manage, store, and archive electronic documents and images. In many cases, they can also be used to save various versions of a document. Document management software is essential when several team members are working on a single document and need to incorporate edits at different stages. Teams can easily save and find different documents, share them with clients and partners, and collaborate on projects. A number of these products also offer electronic signature features, the ability to comment, manage meetings, and mind mapping solutions.
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By storing all documents in a central, searchable repository, document management software makes it easy to locate documents quickly. For instance, you can search any document by its file name, creation date or author name and preview the search results to make sure you’ve found the right document before opening it.

Other key functionalities include the ability to limit access to certain documents, keeping a record of different versions of a document, monitoring who viewed or edited the document and when, reverting to a previous version in case of errors, and the ability to set role-based permissions and change ownership of a file, if required.

What Document Management Software should I Choose?

From standalone products to integrated suites, document management systems come in different sizes, with different types of products suitable for different needs. Your search for the right solution should start with the identification of your exact needs. For instance, if you have multiple employees working on a shared document periodically, you need a product with advanced collaboration features, such as check-in/check-out and version control. Some products even allow you to make track changes and leave notes and comments within the file.

If you are more concerned about data security, look for a product that offers more administrative controls. For instance, some products allow you to set role-based permissions, remove a user’s access to certain files and even change a file’s ownership at any point in time. Other important security features include password encryption, audit trail and single-sign-on.

You may also want to check workflow management features. For instance, some products allow you schedule and assign tasks and send notifications to employees when they need to work on a certain assignment. Also, check how the software integrates with your existing applications. Some solutions come with an open API to allow for customized integrations.

Ease of use is another important aspect to consider. Look for advanced search features and multiple file sharing options. For instance, some products allow you to share documents with external users, such as clients and contractors. Other important considerations include mobile access, document capturing options, training requirements and reporting capability.

Common Features of Document Management

2-Factor Authentication

Adds an additional layer of security by requiring an extra step in the login process. Usually external devices are required for this or a text message with a verification code is sent to the user when trying to login.

API

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are programmatic intersections with external products or platforms that allow for custom integrations with your own solutions or other solutions you are using.

Dashboards are digital interfaces commonly used to visualise data or give quick access to important features and functions of online platforms. They often serve as an overview gateway in software applications.

Data Export

Exporting functionality can be used to streamline the migration of data sets and information across systems, platforms or applications.

Data Import

Importing functionality allows you to use data sets from other systems or platforms to cut down on data entry requirements or to more easily migrate records from similar applications you have used in the past.

Document Comparison

Compare and contrast different versions of documents and browse revision histories to consolidate collaborative changes.

Email Integration

Integration with email clients or providers to create and send emails as well as view received emails within an application.

External Integrations

Integrations with other software products or platforms to improve efficiency and compatibility across systems.

File Sharing

Share files with colleagues, customers or other stakeholders for easier access across platforms, collaboration and/or version control.

File Transfer

Transfer large files to colleagues, customers or other stakeholders. This is often used for files too large to transfer via email and other conventional transmission methods.

Supports more than just one user account and generally allows for collaboration with colleagues.

Notifications

Includes notification support and sends you alerts with information on important events and other time sensitive instances. For example through push notifications on mobile phones or email notifications.

Password & Access Management

Manage passwords or access to systems for yourself or your organisation.

Project Management

Manage projects from conception through the planning stage to delivery and post-project reporting phases. This allows organisation teams to organise resources, plan budgets and improve efficiency in the delivery of project objectives.